Trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park

The hike to Hunter Peak is a challenging day hike done as a loop up the Bear Canyon Trail and down the Tejas Trail that provides solitude, stunning views, and opportunities for side trails into the Bowl area.

Distance: 8.7 miles (14.0 km) round-trip, loop

Elevation Change: 2,700 feet

Time Estimate: 6-8 hours

Difficulty: Strenous

Hunter Peak is at an elevation of 8,368 feet above sea level, rising 2,700 feet above Pine Springs. Hunter Peak was named after ranchers J. C. Hunter and J. C. Hunter, Jr., who owned much of the land now included in the park.

The summit of Hunter Peak may have among the best views in the park—half the panorama is of the vast desert to the south, and the remainder is of other mountains and the sheltered pine forest of the Bowl to the north, as well as an unparalleled view across Pine Springs Canyon at Guadalupe Peak.

The hike to the summit involves climbing 2,540 feet, along two trails—either the first 3.6 miles of the Tejas Trail up the side of Pine Spring Canyon, or the Bear Canyon Trail along the next ravine to the east of Hunter Peak. These two routes are linked by the Bowl Trail, from which a short spur leads to the Hunter Peak summit, hence the trip can be done as a loop up one trail and down the other, a total hike of 8.7 miles.

Which Way Up?

While the climb is steep, rangers recommend that hikers ascend Bear Canyon, rather than hike down it. Bear Canyon gains 2,000 feet in just under two miles, while the Tejas Trail takes the twice the distance to climb the same elevation.

The hike to Hunter Peak is a challenging day hike done as a loop up the Bear Canyon Trail and down the Tejas Trail that provides solitude, stunning views, and opportunities for side trails into the Bowl area.

Distance: 8.7 miles (14.0 km) round-trip, loop

Elevation Change: 2,700 feet

Time Estimate: 6-8 hours

Difficulty: Strenous

Hunter Peak is at an elevation of 8,368 feet above sea level, rising 2,700 feet above Pine Springs. Hunter Peak was named after ranchers J. C. Hunter and J. C. Hunter, Jr., who owned much of the land now included in the park.

The summit of Hunter Peak may have among the best views in the park—half the panorama is of the vast desert to the south, and the remainder is of other mountains and the sheltered pine forest of the Bowl to the north, as well as an unparalleled view across Pine Springs Canyon at Guadalupe Peak.

The hike to the summit involves climbing 2,540 feet, along two trails—either the first 3.6 miles of the Tejas Trail up the side of Pine Spring Canyon, or the Bear Canyon Trail along the next ravine to the east of Hunter Peak. These two routes are linked by the Bowl Trail, from which a short spur leads to the Hunter Peak summit, hence the trip can be done as a loop up one trail and down the other, a total hike of 8.7 miles.

Which Way Up?

While the climb is steep, rangers recommend that hikers ascend Bear Canyon, rather than hike down it. Bear Canyon gains 2,000 feet in just under two miles, while the Tejas Trail takes the twice the distance to climb the same elevation.

Hiking the Bush Mountain Trail from Dog Canyon out to the Marcus Overlook and back makes an excellent and usually solitary day hike in the Guadalupe Mountains. From the Marcus Overlook, there are commanding views south into the Guadalupe Mountains and westward.

Distance: 5.2 miles (8.4 km) round-trip, out and back

Elevation Change: 825 feet

Time Estimate: 3-5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

The route to Devil's Hall departs from the Pine Springs Trailhead and is 4.2 miles round-trip. After the first mile the trail leads to a rocky wash which takes hikers to an impressive natural rock staircase leading to a "hallway" formed by steep canyon walls. The wash portion of the route requires the hiker to scramble over large boulders and other debris. This route offers spectacular views of geologic formations, steep canyon walls, tall trees, and mountaintops.

Distance: 4.2 miles (6.8 km) round-trip, out and back

Elevation Change: 548 feet

Time Estimate: 3-5 hours

Difficulty: Strenuous , with rock scrambling and loose rock surfaces.

CAUTION:

Due to increasingly frequent heavy rain events in the late summers, the portion of the Devil's Hall trail in the wash is covered in loose rocks, boulders, and other debris. Visitors should exercise caution, use proper footwear, and trekking poles. Do not attempt to climb in the wash or canyon walls in wet or rainy conditions.

At two places the route enters and exits desert washes; proceed with caution and carefully observe the landscape. Some visitors struggle to find the trail after dark or if they are unprepared.

The white gypsum sands of the Salt Basin Dunes rise 100 feet from the desert floor and provide a brilliant contrast to the dark, towering cliffs of the Guadalupe Mountains.

Distance: 3-4 miles (5-7 km) round-trip, out and back

Time Estimate: 1-3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate. Some dunes are 60 feet high and require scrambling.

To the west are barren salt flats that are the source of these beautiful dunes. When rain runs off the highly soluble limestone rock in the adjacent mountains, salts are leached. This runoff pools in the desert basin and as it evaporates, large grains of mineral salts are left behind. The wind carries the salt grains northeast toward the Guadalupe Mountains and deposits them at the base of the western Guadalupe escarpment to form gypsum dunes.

The dune landscape is geologically young. It developed over the past few thousand years as dissolved salts and gypsum from an adjacent lake bed were deposited by wind into ever changing sculpted hill, swale, and ripple formations. The mesquite coppice dunes form stabilized spots where wildlife abounds.

The dunes environment is home to gypsum-loving plant and animal life such as gypsum scalebroom, a white variant of the lesser earless spiny lizard, and five of the park’s seven species of scorpions.

This moderate loop route uses the Frijole Trail and the Foothills Trail to make a loop below the eastern escarpment of the Guadalupe Mountains. Excellent views up Bear Canyon and toward El Capitan can be found along the trail. It's not unusual to spot deer along the trail. This trail can be hiked high to low (Frijole Trail first) or low to high (Foothills Trail first).

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km) round-trip from Frijole Ranch; 5.5 miles (8.9 km) round-trip from Pine Springs

Elevation Change: 800 feet

Time Estimate: 2-4 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Trailheads: This loop can begin either at Pine Springs or the Frijole Ranch.

Trails: Portions of the Foothills and Frijole Trails are used to make a loop.

The Manzanita Spring Trail is a 0.5 mile (0.8 km) out and back trail that begins adjacent the Frijole Ranch. Manzanita Spring is a wide pool that provides excellent bird watching opportunities. Past this spring the Smith Spring Trail continues in a dirt surface.

This moderate loop route uses the Frijole Trail and the Foothills Trail to make a loop below the eastern escarpment of the Guadalupe Mountains. Excellent views up Bear Canyon and toward El Capitan can be found along the trail. It's not unusual to spot deer along the trail. This trail can be hiked high to low (Frijole Trail first) or low to high (Foothills Trail first).

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km) round-trip from Frijole Ranch; 5.5 miles (8.9 km) round-trip from Pine Springs

Elevation Change: 800 feet

Time Estimate: 2-4 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Trailheads: This loop can begin either at Pine Springs or the Frijole Ranch.

Trails: Portions of the Foothills and Frijole Trails are used to make a loop.

The Manzanita Spring Trail is a 0.5 mile (0.8 km) out and back trail that begins adjacent the Frijole Ranch. Manzanita Spring is a wide pool that provides excellent bird watching opportunities. Past this spring the Smith Spring Trail continues in a dirt surface.

Climb to the "Top of Texas" with a hike up Guadalupe Peak. Guadalupe Peak is a rewarding, although very strenuous, 8.4 mile round trip hike with a 3,000 foot elevation gain. It will take from six to eight hours to complete the hike.

The peak provides fantastic views from the highest point in the state of Texas (8,751 feet / 2,667 meters). It also introduces hikers to several of the park’s ecosystems including the high desert and the high elevation forests. On a clear day you will be rewarded with a tremendous view of the surrounding mountains and desert. Stop for a while and enjoy the view before beginning the hike back down.

Be Prepared:

Make sure you are prepared for the hike with the Eleven Essential items . Carrying the Ten Essentials (plus one) with you can help you be prepared for minor injuries, sudden weather changes, or unexpected delays.

This is a strenuous hike which begins at a mile above sea level and gains 3,000 feet. Do you have a medical conditions that could be worsened by certain activities or changes in altitude (asthma, heart condition)?

While the stock trail adds a mile to the hike each direction, it is significantly less steep than the main trail, and may be useful if backpacking.

When you consume half of the water you are carrying, turn around.

The descent is often more difficult than the climb to the peak due to the rocky trail surface and fatigue. Hiking poles help!

The top of Texas is not a toilet. Make sure to bring a commercial toilet bag system with you to protect the environment you are hiking in. Pack out all of your trash.

Layers and sunscreen are important to protect you from the elements.

At the top of the peak expect temperatures at least ten degrees cooler and wind speeds at least ten miles per hour faster than Pine Springs.

In areas more than a quarter of a mile from restroom facilities, and all areas inside the Wilderness boundary, all solid human waste, feminine hygiene products, and toilet paper must be carried out in a landfill-safe commercial toilet bag .

Much of the trail is over steep, rocky terrain. Hikers should wear comfortable hiking boots with good traction , and that are well broken in. Trekking poles aid in stability and can be a useful addition.

Hikers should carefully monitor the weather. Afternoon thunderstorms are common through the summer months. Lightning can be especially dangerous at high elevations on the exposed peak. Watch the sky. If storms develop, seek a lower elevation .

Winds can be severe on the peak , especially in winter months. Winds in excess of 40 miles per hour are not uncommon. When hiking during high winds, you should always be prepared to turn around. You should prioritize your own safety above all else in windy conditions.

There is little shade along the trail. Summer temperatures can be quite hot. Bring plenty of water, at least one gallon per person, per day. Also come prepared with sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing.

The 8.4 mile hike to the summit and back takes the average hiker from six to eight hours round trip . Plan to start the hike early in the morning, especially in the summer when high temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms are a concern.

Bring enough warm clothing. Even in the hottest weather, thunderstorms can cause the temperature to drop significantly.

If you intend to make the peak for sunrise or sunset, make sure you have a light source, either a head lamp or a flashlight.

The hike to Hunter Peak is a challenging day hike done as a loop up the Bear Canyon Trail and down the Tejas Trail that provides solitude, stunning views, and opportunities for side trails into the Bowl area.

Distance: 8.7 miles (14.0 km) round-trip, loop

Elevation Change: 2,700 feet

Time Estimate: 6-8 hours

Difficulty: Strenous

Hunter Peak is at an elevation of 8,368 feet above sea level, rising 2,700 feet above Pine Springs. Hunter Peak was named after ranchers J. C. Hunter and J. C. Hunter, Jr., who owned much of the land now included in the park.

The summit of Hunter Peak may have among the best views in the park—half the panorama is of the vast desert to the south, and the remainder is of other mountains and the sheltered pine forest of the Bowl to the north, as well as an unparalleled view across Pine Springs Canyon at Guadalupe Peak.

The hike to the summit involves climbing 2,540 feet, along two trails—either the first 3.6 miles of the Tejas Trail up the side of Pine Spring Canyon, or the Bear Canyon Trail along the next ravine to the east of Hunter Peak. These two routes are linked by the Bowl Trail, from which a short spur leads to the Hunter Peak summit, hence the trip can be done as a loop up one trail and down the other, a total hike of 8.7 miles.

Which Way Up?

While the climb is steep, rangers recommend that hikers ascend Bear Canyon, rather than hike down it. Bear Canyon gains 2,000 feet in just under two miles, while the Tejas Trail takes the twice the distance to climb the same elevation.

Named for the once abundant black-tailed prairie dog, Dog Canyon is home to a surprising variety of plant and animal species and was a traditional occupation site for the Mescalaro Apache. The Indian Meadow Nature Trail is an easy 0.6 mile loop that begins across the road from the ranger station and next to the group campsite, offering good views of the landscape. At a leisurely pace it takes 30-45 minutes. The trail is rated easy as it remains almost level after crossing an arroyo.

Wildlife is abundant due to the variety of habitat types found here: arid grassland, juniper-oak woodlands, pine forest, and riparian (streamside) areas of maples and oaks.

Hiking the Bush Mountain Trail from Dog Canyon out to the Marcus Overlook and back makes an excellent and usually solitary day hike in the Guadalupe Mountains. From the Marcus Overlook, there are commanding views south into the Guadalupe Mountains and westward.

Distance: 5.2 miles (8.4 km) round-trip, out and back

Elevation Change: 825 feet

Time Estimate: 3-5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Traveling clockwise, this fascinating, short trail passes an intermittent seep that lies hidden in junipers, then wanders up a southwest slope along an arroyo. Here, plants and animals tolerate true desert conditions. Trailside exhibits describe common plants, and reference wildland fire. At the top of the trail you can look down at the mouth of McKittrick Canyon and read about Permian Reef geology. As the trail continues down northeast slope you will probably recognize that less sun exposure makes this side a little more lush.

Distance: 0.9 miles (1.4 km) round-trip, loop

Time Estimate: 1 hour

Difficulty: moderate

This is an extremely rewarding trail, offering both the variety of McKittrick Canyon and the grandeur of the high ridges that surround it. The floor of McKittrick Canyon provides a panoramic experience through the unique environments of the canyon; to protect this special habitat, visitors are asked to stay on the trail and stay out of the water.

The McKittrick Canyon Trail follows the floor of South McKittrick Canyon for four miles before climbing steeply to gain the ridge on the north side of the canyon. This is an arduous climb of 2,380 feet in about two miles and provides spectacular views into the canyon and to the ridges that border it. The trail continues along the ridge above South McKittrick Canyon, ascending to a high point of 7,916 feet and gradually descending to a junction with the Tejas Trail.

The route passes the saddle at Lost Peak. No trail leads to the summit itself. Descending from the area of Lost Peak the trail passes through the grassy areas that define the northern portion of the park.

Overnight backpacking is recommended at the McKittrick Ridge Wilderness Campground.

Distance: 15.0 miles (24.1 km) one way. For more detailed information on trails, check our trail descriptions page.

Time Estimate: 8-12 hours

Difficulty: Strenuous

Duration: Minimum of one night, two days.

Trailheads: McKittrick Canyon and Dog Canyon Trailheads. The drive between the trailheads is two hours. No shuttle service runs between the two trailheads.

The Permian Reef Trail climbs the north side of McKittrick Canyon to the top of Wilderness Ridge, providing sweeping views into South McKittrick Canyon. At the park boundary, and state line, the trail continues into New Mexico and the Lincoln National Forest. The slopes above the canyon face south, thereby receiving full sun all day, hence the hike is best avoided during hot periods in summer.

Distance: 4.0 miles (6.4 km) to top of ridge; 4.5 miles (7.2 km) to Wilderness Ridge Campground; 4.8 miles (7.7 km) to park boundary (one way distances)

Elevation Change: 2,000 feet

Time Estimate: 5-7 hours

Difficulty: Strenuous

In addition to providing sweeping views of the landscape, the trail was designed to showcase the Permian age geologic and fossil features preserved in the park. For those with a serious interest in Geology, a detailed guidebook for the features seen along the trail from the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology can be purchased at the visitor center.

The Tejas Trail is the primary north/south through trail within the park, connecting the Pine Springs Trailhead with the Dog Canyon Trailhead at the park's northern boundary. This major artery can be used to connect to numerous other trails to make a variety of loops.

Headed north the trail climbs out of Pine Springs Canyon into the Wilderness high country. The central portion of the trail from Pine Top until the McKittrick Canyon Trail junction is forested, passing through the Bowl and numerous drainages.

The trail gradually ascends from the McKittrick Canyon junction to a high point of 7,916 feet before descending along the ridge above South McKittrick Canyon. The descent of 2,380 feet in about two miles provides spectacluar views into the canyon and the ridges that border it. The trail follows the floor of South McKittrick Canyon for the last four miles before returning to the McKittrick Canyon Trailhead.

This is an extremely rewarding trail, offering both the variety of McKittrick Canyon and the grandeur of the high ridges that surround it. The floor of McKittrick Canyon provides a panoramic experience through the unique environments of the canyon; to protect this special habitat, visitors are asked to stay on the trail and stay out of the water.

Overnight backpacking is recommended at Pine Top, Tejas, Mescalero, and/or McKittrick Ridge Wilderness Campgrounds.

Distance: Total distance from the Pine Springs Trailhead to the McKittrick Canyon Trailhead is 18.8 miles (30.4 km).

For more detailed information on trails, check our trail descriptions page.

Elevation Change: Accumulation of 3,200 feet

Time Estimate: 12-16 hours

Difficulty: Strenuous

Duration: Minimum of one night, two days.

Trailheads: Pine Springs and McKittrick Canyon Trailheads. The drive between the trailheads is 20-30 minutes. No shuttle service runs between the two trailheads.

Enjoy the shortest distance into the heart of the canyon by hiking to Pratt Cabin and return (a distance of 4.8 miles). Along this walk you will cross the stream twice before arriving at the historic structure. Enjoy a snack or lunch at the picnic tables near or at Pratt Cabin, or sit for a spell on the porch. Volunteers staff Pratt Cabin on occasion; take a look inside the stone structure.

Distance: 4.8 miles (7.7 km) round-trip, out and back

Time Estimate: 2-4 hours

Difficulty: Moderate due to length

Stretch out your day hike into McKittrick Canyon by hiking to the Grotto. Elevation gain doubles as you travel further up canyon, but is still mild at less then 600 feet gained from the trailhead. Exposed cave features and stone picnic tables near the Hunter Line Shack make for a fabulous lunch destination. A short distance past the Grotto is the Hunter Line Shack, part of a 1920s ranching operaiton in the mountains.

Distance: 7.0 miles (11.3 km) round-trip, out and back

Time Estimate: 3-5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate due to length

The hike to "the Notch" is a challenging day hike that proceeds through McKittrick Canyon to a dramatic viewpoint about half way up toward McKittrick Ridge. For most hikers this destination makes a dramtic turn-around point for an excellent day hike in McKittrick Canyon.

Distance: 9.0 miles (14.5 km) round-trip, out and back

Elevation Change: 1,092 feet

Time Estimate: 5-7 hours

Difficulty: Difficult, past the Grotto

The journey to the top of McKittrick Ridge is "the toughest hike in Texas." This very strenuous hike is best enjoyed as an overnight experience. This route takes you through MicKittrick Canyon up the steepest trail in the park. At the halfway point to the ridge is "The Notch", where there is a spectacular view of the canyon both directions. As you continue, don't be fooled by the false summits that make you think you've nearly reached the top!

This is an extremely rewarding trail, offering both the variety of McKittrick Canyon and the grandeur of the high ridges that surround it. The floor of McKittrick Canyon provides a panoramic experience through the unique environments of the canyon; to protect this special habitat, visitors are asked to stay on the trail and stay ouf of the water.

If you'd like to visit this beautiful ridge without quite the workout, begin instead at Dog Canyon. The trail ascends up to the area of Lost Peak where you pass through many grassy areas that define the northern portion of the park. The trail gradually ascends from the McKittrick Canyon junction to a high point of 7,916 feet before descending along the ridge above South McKittrick Canyon where views are spectacular into the canyon and ridges that border it.

Overnight backpacking is recommended at the McKittrick Ridge Wilderness Campground.

Distance: 15.2 miles (24.5 km) round-trip, out and back starting from the McKittrick Canyon Trailhead. 14.8 miles (23.8 km) round-trip, out and back starting from the Dog Canyon Trailhead.

For more detailed information on trails, check our trail descriptions page.

Elevation Change: 2,700 feet from McKittrick Canyon Trailhead. 1,900 feet from the Dog Canyon Trailhead.

Time Estimate: 4-6 hours to reach the campsites

Difficulty: Strenuous

Duration: Minimum of one day, but two days and one night recommended.

Trailheads: McKittrick Canyon or Dog Canyon Trailheads. The drive between the two trailheads is two hours. No shuttle service runs between the two trailheads.

The hike to "the Notch" is a challenging day hike that proceeds through McKittrick Canyon to a dramatic viewpoint about half way up toward McKittrick Ridge. For most hikers this destination makes a dramtic turn-around point for an excellent day hike in McKittrick Canyon.

Distance: 9.0 miles (14.5 km) round-trip, out and back

Elevation Change: 1,092 feet

Time Estimate: 5-7 hours

Difficulty: Difficult, past the Grotto

The Permian Reef Trail climbs the north side of McKittrick Canyon to the top of Wilderness Ridge, providing sweeping views into South McKittrick Canyon. At the park boundary, and state line, the trail continues into New Mexico and the Lincoln National Forest. The slopes above the canyon face south, thereby receiving full sun all day, hence the hike is best avoided during hot periods in summer.

Distance: 4.0 miles (6.4 km) to top of ridge; 4.5 miles (7.2 km) to Wilderness Ridge Campground; 4.8 miles (7.7 km) to park boundary (one way distances)

Elevation Change: 2,000 feet

Time Estimate: 5-7 hours

Difficulty: Strenuous

In addition to providing sweeping views of the landscape, the trail was designed to showcase the Permian age geologic and fossil features preserved in the park. For those with a serious interest in Geology, a detailed guidebook for the features seen along the trail from the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology can be purchased at the visitor center.

This short trail connects the visitor center to the campground and the trailhead area at Pine Springs. During peak periods, many hikers will use this to travel from the visitor center parking lot to the trailhead and on to their day hike destinations.

Distance: 0.2 miles (0.3 km) from the visitor center to the campground; 0.4 miles (0.6 km) from the visitor center parking lot to the upper trailhead.

Elevation Change: 102 feet

Time Estimate: 10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Leashed pets are allowed on this trail.

Opportunities for pets are limited. Leashed pets may walk on the short Pine Springs Campground connector trail or along the Pinery Trail from the visitor center to the Butterfield Stage Station.

Leashed pets are allowed:

The Pine Springs Campground connector trail to the Pine Springs Visitor Center or along the Pinery Trail from the visitor center to the Butterfield Stage Station.

On and within 30 feet of paved and unpaved park roads open for public vehicular use.

In parking areas.

In established picnic areas.

In frontcountry developed campgrounds.

At Guadalupe Mountains, pets are prohibited:

in park buildings

in restrooms

at public programs

in the backcountry

on ALL park trails except the Pinery Trail and the Pine Springs Campground connector trail.

Learn more about pet policies and restrictions in the park.

Discover the desert as you walk from the Visitor Center to the ruins of the Pinery Station . The accessible Pinery Trail offers visitors an opportunity to take a quick walk on a paved trail. The trail also features ruins of the Old Butterfield Stagecoach Route Pinery Station built in 1858.

Distance: 0.75 miles (1.2 km) round-trip, out and back

Elevation Change: 40 feet

Time Estimate: 20-30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Trail Type: Paved

Leashed pets are allowed on this trail.

The Smith Spring Loop is paved from Frijole Ranch to Manzanita Spring. It then ascends along a maintained trail to the heavily vegetated Smith Spring. The trail offers dramatic views of the surrounding mountains, foothills, and desert landscape. The spring is a shady oasis of water up against the mountains.

Distance: 2.3 miles (3.7 km) round-trip, loop

Elevation Change: 402 feet

Time Estimate: 1-2 hours

Difficulty: Easy - Moderate

The hike to Hunter Peak is a challenging day hike done as a loop up the Bear Canyon Trail and down the Tejas Trail that provides solitude, stunning views, and opportunities for side trails into the Bowl area.

Distance: 8.7 miles (14.0 km) round-trip, loop

Elevation Change: 2,700 feet

Time Estimate: 6-8 hours

Difficulty: Strenous

Hunter Peak is at an elevation of 8,368 feet above sea level, rising 2,700 feet above Pine Springs. Hunter Peak was named after ranchers J. C. Hunter and J. C. Hunter, Jr., who owned much of the land now included in the park.

The summit of Hunter Peak may have among the best views in the park—half the panorama is of the vast desert to the south, and the remainder is of other mountains and the sheltered pine forest of the Bowl to the north, as well as an unparalleled view across Pine Springs Canyon at Guadalupe Peak.

The hike to the summit involves climbing 2,540 feet, along two trails—either the first 3.6 miles of the Tejas Trail up the side of Pine Spring Canyon, or the Bear Canyon Trail along the next ravine to the east of Hunter Peak. These two routes are linked by the Bowl Trail, from which a short spur leads to the Hunter Peak summit, hence the trip can be done as a loop up one trail and down the other, a total hike of 8.7 miles.

Which Way Up?

While the climb is steep, rangers recommend that hikers ascend Bear Canyon, rather than hike down it. Bear Canyon gains 2,000 feet in just under two miles, while the Tejas Trail takes the twice the distance to climb the same elevation.

Hiking the Tejas Trail from Dog Canyon out to the Lost Peak Saddle and back makes an excellent day hike in the Guadalupe Mountains. Climbing up through Dog Canyon, this route culminates at the saddle below the Lost Peak Summit. No trail leads to the summit itself. This hike explores the dramatic scenery found in upper Dog Canyon.

Distance: 6.4 miles (10.3 km) round-trip, out and back

Elevation Change: 1,386 feet

Time Estimate: 3-6 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

The Tejas Trail is the primary north/south through trail within the park, connecting the Pine Springs Trailhead with the Dog Canyon Trailhead at the park's northern boundary. This major artery can be used to connect to numerous other trails to make a variety of loops.

Headed north the trail climbs out of Pine Springs Canyon into the Wilderness high country. The central portion of the trail from Pine Top until the McKittrick Canyon Trail junction is forested, passing through the Bowl and numerous drainages.

The trail gradually ascends from the McKittrick Canyon junction to a high point of 7,916 feet before descending along the ridge above South McKittrick Canyon. The descent of 2,380 feet in about two miles provides spectacluar views into the canyon and the ridges that border it. The trail follows the floor of South McKittrick Canyon for the last four miles before returning to the McKittrick Canyon Trailhead.

This is an extremely rewarding trail, offering both the variety of McKittrick Canyon and the grandeur of the high ridges that surround it. The floor of McKittrick Canyon provides a panoramic experience through the unique environments of the canyon; to protect this special habitat, visitors are asked to stay on the trail and stay out of the water.

Overnight backpacking is recommended at Pine Top, Tejas, Mescalero, and/or McKittrick Ridge Wilderness Campgrounds.

Distance: Total distance from the Pine Springs Trailhead to the McKittrick Canyon Trailhead is 18.8 miles (30.4 km).

For more detailed information on trails, check our trail descriptions page.

Elevation Change: Accumulation of 3,200 feet

Time Estimate: 12-16 hours

Difficulty: Strenuous

Duration: Minimum of one night, two days.

Trailheads: Pine Springs and McKittrick Canyon Trailheads. The drive between the trailheads is 20-30 minutes. No shuttle service runs between the two trailheads.

The Tejas Trail is the primary north/south through trail within the park, connecting the Pine Springs Trailhead with the Dog Canyon Trailhead at the park's northern boundary. This major artery can be used to connect to numerous other trails to make a variety of loops.

Headed north the trail climbs out of Pine Springs Canyon into the Wilderness high country. The central portion of the trail from Pine Top until the McKittrick Canyon Trail junction is forested, passing through the Bowl and numerous drainages. The route passes the saddle at Lost Peak. No trail leads to the summit itself. Descending from the area of Lost Peak the trail passes through the grassy areas that define the northern portion of the park.

Overnight backpacking is recommended at Pine Top, Tejas, and/or Mescalero Wilderness Campgrounds.

Distance: 11.8 miles (19.0 km) one way

For more detailed information on trails, check our trail descriptions page.

Elevation Change: Accumulation of 3,000 feet

Time Estimate: 7-9 hours

Difficulty: Strenuous

Duration: Minimum of one night, two days.

Trailhead: Pine Springs and Dog Canyon Trailheads. The drive between the trailheads is two hours. No shuttle service runs between the two trailheads.

The Permian Reef Trail climbs the north side of McKittrick Canyon to the top of Wilderness Ridge, providing sweeping views into South McKittrick Canyon. At the park boundary, and state line, the trail continues into New Mexico and the Lincoln National Forest. The slopes above the canyon face south, thereby receiving full sun all day, hence the hike is best avoided during hot periods in summer.

Distance: 4.0 miles (6.4 km) to top of ridge; 4.5 miles (7.2 km) to Wilderness Ridge Campground; 4.8 miles (7.7 km) to park boundary (one way distances)

Elevation Change: 2,000 feet

Time Estimate: 5-7 hours

Difficulty: Strenuous

In addition to providing sweeping views of the landscape, the trail was designed to showcase the Permian age geologic and fossil features preserved in the park. For those with a serious interest in Geology, a detailed guidebook for the features seen along the trail from the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology can be purchased at the visitor center.